How is your training going? So far, so good...

I've managed to tick every session off the plan. That makes it sound like I've found it easy - but believe me, there have definitely been a few tough runs thrown in there. My main struggle has been the heat - I forgot how warm it can get when training in the Summer. I've been trying to pick shadier routes or plan my runs at cooler times of the day.

This is my 11th marathon - I should probably know what I'm doing by now.... but it never gets any easier, you just know what to expect! Thanks to 2020 it's been a good 18 months since I have trained for a long distance event or run anything further than 10 miles.  It's been nice just to have something to train for again and so far, I'm really enjoying it, i!

I'm following an intermediate 16-week plan rather than the advanced one I'd usually follow.  As I write this blog I'm finishing up week 5 which has been a lighter mileage week. These are really beneficial when marathon training as they stop you from getting fatigued and allow your body time to recover!  I've also added a lot of strength work into my training - so hopefully that should reduce the risk of developing any niggles or injuries.

Next week the plan starts to get exciting - as the long miles start to kick in. I've got the first double-figure long run on the plan - 10 miles which is one of my favourite distances to run. 

If you've never run a marathon before now is the perfect time to practise your fuelling. Use your longer training runs to try different breakfasts so you can work out what you run best on. The same goes for energy gels and mid-race fuelling. Some gels can upset your stomach (yes, I’m speaking from experience) so it’s best to have worked out which ones to avoid before race day. 

I'm using Chester Marathon as a warm-up to the London Marathon in 2022. So far I’m fairly relaxed about the whole thing and not putting any pressure on myself. I’ve not set myself a finish-time goal, my only plan is to run it,  enjoy it and take in the sights of the beautiful city.  

I hope everyone's training is going well, and here's to the next 10 weeks of training. Race day will be here before we know it.

I look forward to seeing you all at the start line on 3rd October.

Love, Rachel

 Follow Run With Rachel on Instagram